17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone near me in Ernakulam
Understanding 17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone in Ernakulam
What is 17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone in Ernakulam?
The 17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone is a blood test that measures the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), a hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands and to some extent by the gonads. This test helps detect or evaluate congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), an inherited condition that results in decreased cortisol and aldosterone production and increased male sex hormone (androgen) production. It is available at an affordable price with Tata 1mg labs in Ernakulam.
Doctors may recommend this test for females showing symptoms such as excess hair growth in areas typical for males, deep voice , increased muscle mass, absence of menstrual periods, or infertility.
No special preparation is needed for this test. However, an early morning specimen is preferred. The blood sample may need to be collected at a specific time during a woman’s menstrual cycle. Moreover, the test should not be done if an individual is taking steroids, as these can affect the test results.
What does 17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone measure?
The 17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone test measures the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in the blood. It is an important intermediate in the production of cortisol, an essential hormone for stress response, metabolism and immune function. This test is used to detect congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic disorder that affects the hormone production in the adrenal glands.
By measuring the levels of 17-OHP , doctors can identify the abnormalities in the hormone production that may lead to conditions such as CAH, PCOS, or adrenal tumors.